I don't know about you, but as a writer, I am insanely curious about how other writers write. I love to know about their routines, rituals, how they balance writing with day jobs, how they handle rewrites, how long it takes them to write a draft, what kind of tea they drink and any other morsel of information they're happy to share.
Maybe I'm hoping to hear a tip that I could try to make me a better, more productive writer. Maybe I want to hear that so-and-so has the same weird writing quirk I do. Maybe I am just nosey. Who knows?
There are loads of great podcasts out there for writers, but here are some episodes I've really enjoyed.
In each episode host Dan Simpson lets us into 'the daily diary of a writer, to peak at the secrets of their success'. Dan asks writers everything from what they listen to when they're writing to what's on their table to their preferred font choice. It's a great range of writers from across genres, but one of my favourites is this interview with the children's book author Piers Torday.
Glory Edim's podcast is one of my favourites! She talks to women about the craft of writing, the communities they look to for support and about their childhood experiences that got them hooked to reading and writing. I have to admit, as a children's book author listening to powerful writers talk about how important children's books were to their journey is always moving.
I love this episode with Min-Jin Lee.
Long Form Podcast
I'll be honest and admit that I usually listen to episodes that feature an author whose work I have read or have been meaning to read. The only time I've broken this rule is to listen to Vauhini Vara's interview on Long Form, and I was not disappointed. I listened in awe at how much she has packed in to her career, and though I'm not big on speculative fiction, I totally wanted to read her book after listening to this episode.
Also want to recommend this fantastic episode with Tara Westover. After reading her book Educated I really did think she'd be a very intense, serious person, but this interview shows her funny side which is delightful. I loved how she talks about writing and therapy.
Emma Gannon's show Ctrl Alt Delete for me ticks many boxes for me: it looks social media, writing, well-being (not in a light a scented candle way) and how people have changed careers or used their jobs as launch pads into other things. She talks to podcasters, writers and social media influencers many of whom I follow after listening to the show. This episode with Meg Mason is fantastic. (Also you should definitely read Meg Mason's book Sorrow and Bliss if you haven't!)
Write a comment ...